AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Dave Dickenson Set to Guide Calgary Stampeders in 2027
Dave Dickenson will continue in his role as both head coach and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders for the 2027 season, a Stampeders official confirmed to The Canadian Press. His return follows a season in which the team missed the Canadian Football League (CFL) playoffs for the second time in three years.
Missed Playoffs and Recent Team Performance
The Calgary Stampeders finished the most recent season with a 9-9 win loss record, a result that saw the team fall short of a playoff berth. This marked the second time in four seasons under Dickenson's dual leadership that the Stampeders failed to reach the CFL playoffs. Despite scoring a league-high 632 points during the season, Calgary allowed 587 points — the second-highest total in the league — trailing only Ottawa in defensive points allowed. At their home stadium, McMahon Stadium, the Stampeders posted a 4-5 record.
End of Playoff Streak and Context
The team's failure to make the postseason in 2024 ended Calgary's impressive 19-year playoff streak. The Stampeders' elimination was confirmed in the final week of the regular season, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers staged a comeback win over the B.C. Lions while Calgary was on a bye week, closing the door on any playoff hope for Dickenson's squad.
Dave Dickenson's Tenure and Achievements
Dave Dickenson, once a standout quarterback with the Stampeders and the B.C. Lions, has served as the Stampeders' head coach since 2016. He was promoted to the dual role of head coach and general manager in 2023. Under his leadership, Calgary found immediate success, making the playoffs in his first seven years as head coach and reaching the Grey Cup three times, capturing the championship title in 2018. However, since assuming general manager duties, the team has experienced more inconsistency and missed the playoffs in two of four seasons.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Season
The decision to retain Dickenson for the 2027 season signals the organization's continued trust in his leadership, despite recent setbacks. With a history that includes a prolonged playoff streak, a Grey Cup championship, and league-leading offensive production in the most recent season, Dickenson will seek to address the team’s defensive challenges and restore the Stampeders’ status as perennial playoff contenders.
Key Statistics from the 2026 Season
- Win Loss Record: 9-9
- Points Scored: 632 (league-high)
- Points Allowed: 587 (second-most in CFL)
- Record at McMahon Stadium: 4-5
Summary
Dave Dickenson will return as the Calgary Stampeders’ head coach and general manager for the 2027 CFL season, aiming to reverse the team's recent playoff misfortunes and build on his earlier successes with the franchise.
Source: cbc.ca.
